Tales from the Rushmore Kid

The Gingerbread Cowboy - Book Trailer - Blog Tour

Janet Squire hired me to do a book trailer for the 5th anniversary of The Gingerbread Cowboy.  This got me thinking and led me to write an article about back list book promotion.  Trailers give back list books an opportunity to be promoted to a whole new cyber community.  This book is a natural for all things cowboy, so enjoy the tour and post a comment for a chance at a $50.00 gift certificate to Out West Marketing.

Tip Tap Pop Blog Tour - Agent Deborah Warren

Today I am happy to be part of Sarah Lynn Scheerger's blog tour for her picture book Tip Tap Pop.  Her agent,  Deborah Warren from East/West Literary Agency, gives us some insight into Sarah and the changing market of children's publishing.

What was it about Sarah’s work that inspired you to offer her representation?
 
Sarah's solid writing was the first clue that we had someone special here. Then came the ability to get teen dialogue just right without going over to the dark side of current teen slang (which ages faster than a peach on a hot summer day),followed by her talent for creating a strong voice and plot; in particular, her facility with developing characters throughout the story with telling little details.

Editor Lynne Polvino - Blog Tour - Jimi, Sounds Like a Rainbow

I am so impressed with this new picture book, Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow, by Gary Golio with art by Javaka Steptoe.  It is about the late guitar player Jimi Hendrix as a boy, and it is just marvelous.  The beautiful art and the story made me want to run and play some Hendrix. I was also intrigued as to how and why this story was told.  I am so pleased to be part of the Jimi Blog Tour with an interview with Clarion editor, Lynne Polvino, who answered those questions and more. (Leave a comment for book giveaway raffle.)

Jimi Hendrix seems an unlikely subject for a picture book. What intrigued you about this story?

My mother is a music professor and I grew up surrounded by and loving all kinds of music, including rock, so it made sense to me that kids would be interested in a story about the childhood of one of the most famous and influential guitar players of all time.

Fairview Felines Blog Tour - Agent Mark McVeigh

I met Michele Corriel last January at the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York.  She is a dedicated RA and a member of the class of 2K10 with her debut novel, Fairview Felines: A Newspaper Mystery.  I am thrilled to be part of her Blog Tour with an interview by our mutual agent, the wonderful Mark McVeigh.

What was it about Michele's work that first attracted your attention and caused you to offer representation?

Michele's clear and on-target voice, her humor, and her ability to create memorable characters blew me away when I read ALL OF THE ABOVE, the novel that is out on submission right now.

Editor Marilyn Brighman - Ogg & Bob Blog Tour

I am pleased to be part of the Ogg & Bob blog tour.  My buddy, prolific author/illustrator Mary Ann Fraser, and her son, author Ian Fraser, wrote and illustrated this new series about the adventures of cave boys Ogg & Bob. What a hoot these chapter books are--and perfect for reluctant readers.

For each day of the tour, Mary Ann Fraser will be  giving away an original piece of art from Ogg and Bob to a randomly selected commenter. So follow the tour and be sure to comment to enter. Winners will be announced on Monday October 18, so be sure to check back to Mary Ann's blog to see if you have won.

I am thrilled to interview Mary Ann and Ian's editor Marilyn Brighman from Marshal Cavendish.

Ogg & Bob is a wacky look at cave boy life, and unusual because the illustrator and the author are mother and son.  With that in mind, what challenges and advantages were there?

Marshall Cavendish loves developing new talent, and it was fun to work with a young, creative, first-time author like Ian. Usually a new author will have to be coached a bit in the ways of the marketplace because they’re new to the field. In this case I didn’t really need to, because Mary Ann, his mom and the artist of these books, is already established in the field and took care of that.

From North to South - Book Trailer - René Colato Laínez - Blog Tour

I am kicking off the Blog Tour for From North to South with a the book trailer.  I have known René Colato Laínez for many years. I am impressed with his lyrical writing and his personal insight into the immigrant experience. I am also honored to have produced two of his book trailers. From North to South is the touching story of José missing his mamá after she has been deported. José visits her in Tijuana where she waits for her proper papers. René is donating a portion of his royalties to El Centro Madre Assumte, a safe house for immigrant women and children.

Editor Katherine Tegen - Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour

I am happy to be on one of the stops for the Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour.  The lyrical picture book by Laura Lacámara, with illustrations by Yuyi Morales, is a beautiful tale.  A single mother is lifted off the ground by her songs.  I was lucky to get the book's editor, Katherine Tegen, to give me an interview about why she acquired the book, the state of promotion and, of course, her favorite dessert. (The tour continues tomorrow with an interview with illustrator Yuyi Morales on Latino baby book club at René Colato Lainez. Keep reading for info on the tour & giveaways.)

What qualities in the manuscript Floating on Mama’s Song intrigued you enough to acquire it?

I have a special desire to publish Latina talent, perhaps because I am part Hispanic myself.  I grew up hearing the stories of my grandmother who was from Puerto Rico, stories that depicted a rich culture that was kind of magical, and so very different from my suburban American life.

Diane Browning - Blog Tour 2010 - "Signed Abiah Rose"

I have known Diane Browning for many years.  She has been attending local and national SCBWI events as long as I can remember.  Diane honed her craft, learned the business and finally was  published as a writer/illustrator.  I am honored that Diane asked me to kick off her blog tour for her first book, Signed Abiah Rose.  Comment on the tour and you could win an autograph copy of the book. 


How long have you been an author/illustrator?

I’ve been a writer/artist all my life.  I won my first writing honors as a child at the Dallas library’s creative writing club.  At age seven I won a Siamese kitten at an art show (I did a painting of a kitten).  I went on to become an illustrator, designer and painter, writing in my spare time.

Blog Tour - My Shoes and I - Rene' Colato Lainez

I have known Rene' Colato Lainez for years.  We met in a writing class and I was struck by his kindness and his sensitive writing on the immigrant experience. His many published stories detail this and fill a void for all the children who come to this country with their parents looking for a better life. His new book, My Shoes and I, tell the scary and wondrous tale of Marco on his journey to the United States. I asked Rene' a few questions about the book.

What inspired you to write a story about immigration?

My own personal journey from El Salvador to the United States inspired me to write MY SHOES AND I. In 1985, my father and I left El Salvador early in the morning.

Esther Hershenhorn - Blog Tour - S is for Story: a Writer's Alphabet

I have known of Esther Hershenhorn for many years, not only as a talented writer but as a dedicated regional advisor for the SCBWI.  I am so pleased to have finally met her and to be part of her wonderful blog tour for her new picture book, S is for Story: A Writer's Alphabet.  I give you the very kind hearted Esther Hershenhorn.

When and why did you start writing for children?

   

I knew at age six, while playing “Library” with my sister and friends, checking in and checking out our shared treasured books, I wanted my name on a children’s book someday.

Elizabeth Dulemba - Blog Tour - Soap, Soap, Soap

Elizabeth Dulemba is a force in children's illustration. She's active in the Kidslitosphere and other social networks in the industry. Soap, Soap, Soap is her first picture book as both author and illustrator, and I'm thrilled to be part of her blog tour.

When and why did you start illustrating and writing for children?

I've actually been creating art for children for most of my life, even though it didn't start with books. My first job out of college was animating a laser show for Stone Mountain; then I was part of a stable of artists for a children's clothing company (Snoopy); then I worked with a boutique agency illustrating for Brach's candy, etc. I dove into the children's book market in 2001.

New Year at the Pier - Blog Tour 09 - Editor Lauri Hornik

I am honored to be part of April Halprin Wayland's Blog Tour for her new book on Rosh Hashanah, New Year at the Pier. I was lucky enough to draw the editor of the book, President and Publisher of Dutton Children's Books, Lauri Hornik, for an interview.

When you first read New Year at the Pier, what stood out to you about this manuscript?

In a word, heart. The interactions between the characters are so warm and true, and I loved the coziness of the telling and story.